Watching the results on election night I felt a variety of conflicting emotions. I felt overjoyed that we didn't get a Tory Government, but at the sametime I'm not exactly happy with New Labour. Pehaps the fundamental point is this, a centre-left party has returned to office for the third time, a first in British history, they have a historic chance to transform Britain into a Socialist society. Up to now Labour has been too concerned with free-market economics, leaving corporations or Thatcherite sentiment unchallenged concerning such central issues as privitisation of key services. Beyond this Mr Blair has often used his parlimentry majority in an arrogant, reckless manner, without considering the implications of his heavy handed aproach to government including such issues as Iraq and the decline of the rural economy In short, Labour has been at times deeply power-hungry and not radical enough.

Despite my long-standing reservations on elections I felt that the results were hopeful. The Liberal Democrats have not been so powerful since the early 20th century under Loyd Goerge and Labour held an overall majority, while the Conservative party seems in decline, very much like the Liberal party after the 1930s. The opinion expressed by Michael Howard that the Tory Party had changed and that it believed in investment in essential public services is a grave defeat for the traditional wing of the party which has always spat on the welfare state and prefered private ownership. The conservative party is clearly in ideological retreat.

It seems we are seeing the emmergence in this election the rebirth of the classic radical consensus of British politics symbolised by the likes of John Stuart Mil
At this time of obvious dominance by the progressive parties it is now time for this centre-left party to show its metal by throwing out ID Cards and respecting civil liberies, working to re-establish the vitality of trade-unions, work for the preservation of British industry and promote equality and justice. It must channel all of its efforts towards building strong safe communities and adjusting the economy so that community can flourish.If it achives these aims and more it will be well on the way to transforming Britain into a nation fit for the 21st century.